Hump day is here for high school football fans

Published: Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 04:56 PM.

Clark: For a second straight year, Burns’ defense is causing the most trouble for opponents. Its size up front has made the difference, limiting opponents to 106.6 rushing yards and 13.2 points per game.

The offense has been explosive at times but occasionally unable to take advantage of opportunities. Near halfway, the Bulldogs have proven they’re still a serious contender for a fourth straight SMAC championship.

Crest (3-1, 1-0 SMAC)

Alan: The young Chargers, since their opening loss to South Point, appear to be a team getting better week-by-week. There’s still a ways to go in that process.

Two areas continue to be a concern. Crest is giving up too many yards and points on defense. It puts a lot of pressure on the offense to know it must score 25-plus points against quality opponents to win.

Even though the identity of the Crest offense is to pound foes with its talented ballcarriers in the ground game, at some point the passing game has to get better. Few one-dimensional teams survive long in the playoffs.

Time does fly when you’re having fun. Local football fans likely can’t believe tonight is the mid-point of the high school regular season. As we get over that hump ,it ’ s time for the stretch run to the playoffs to begin.

Each of the four county teams has its own highs and lows to deal with during the season to date. The Star Sports staff (Alan Ford and Clark Leoanrd) provides its analysis of what has transpired for each and what could lie ahead.

Burns (5-0, 2-0 SMAC)

Alan: The unbeaten Bulldogs have been impressive, especially on the defensive side of the line of scrimmage. Yet as last Friday’s near-upset demonstrated, no team is a finished product at this point.

Burns must continue to stay healthy, especially among a core group of veterans who often see two-way action. Continuing to build depth, so those key performers can get needed rest, is part of the formula for this club's success in the postseason.

The Bulldogs must concentrate on putting four quarters together each Friday. The down-to-the-wire battles with Ashbrook and Kings Mountain should have drilled that point home to them.

Clark: For a second straight year, Burns’ defense is causing the most trouble for opponents. Its size up front has made the difference, limiting opponents to 106.6 rushing yards and 13.2 points per game.

The offense has been explosive at times but occasionally unable to take advantage of opportunities. Near halfway, the Bulldogs have proven they’re still a serious contender for a fourth straight SMAC championship.

Crest (3-1, 1-0 SMAC)

Alan: The young Chargers, since their opening loss to South Point, appear to be a team getting better week-by-week. There’s still a ways to go in that process.

Two areas continue to be a concern. Crest is giving up too many yards and points on defense. It puts a lot of pressure on the offense to know it must score 25-plus points against quality opponents to win.

Even though the identity of the Crest offense is to pound foes with its talented ballcarriers in the ground game, at some point the passing game has to get better. Few one-dimensional teams survive long in the playoffs.

Clark: With youth, injuries and other issues, Crest has rarely had all of its top players on the field at one time. The results have been uneven on both sides of the ball, but the record is in line with expectations.

The Chargers clearly have a strong running game again, but can they mix in enough passes to keep opponents off balance? Crest is strong enough to win the SMAC, but its defense could be a problem approaching the postseason.

Kings Mountain (2-3, 0-2 SMAC)

Alan: The spirited effort the Mountaineers gave last Friday provided ample evidence this Kings Mountain team can never be discounted.

As exciting as the Kings Mountain offense has been at times this season, perhaps the defensive progress the Mountaineers showed could be the most important thing to come out of last Friday’s duel at Burns.

Kings Mountain is the classic example of a team trying to “learn to win.” With its youth, if it does break through in a big game, it could be bad news for the rest of the teams on its schedule.

Clark: The Mountaineers’ mix of youth and experience has led to one of the most dynamic offenses in the county. But Kings Mountain’s defense has struggled to make stops, particularly late in tight games.

The Mountaineers’ effort in battling back from a 14-0 deficit at Burns and leading 15-14 late in a 20-15 loss could be a turning point. It’s the kind of performance that could give Kings Mountain the confidence to finish strong.

Shelby (3-2, 2-0 SMAC)

Alan: The Golden Lions have excited their fans with a wide-open passing game out of the spread, something three years in the making. Shelby has the offensive talent to scare anyone it plays if it keeps distributing the football effectively to its playmakers.

But all of that will go for naught at some point if the Shelby defense doesn’t get better. It’s held only one opponent below 20 points.

Right now, that unit is still looking for a force to emerge on the defensive line. Also, a veteran linebacking group has yet to live up to expectations.

Clark: Shelby’s offensive, particularly its passing game, has shined early. The Golden Lions led South Point, a top-tier 3A team, for much of that game in Belmont and had a chance late to beat A.C. Reynolds, a 4A squad.

There’s no question Shelby has the athletes to be a factor in the SMAC title. But the Golden Lions’ defense, which has given up more yards than Shelby offense has gained, must be better to win county battles or make a deep playoff run.